Management & Activities of The Kalgidhar Trust

Details of Sponsoring body

To fulfil the vision of sant Attar Singh ji, his devout disciple Sant Teja Singh, M.A, LLB (Pb.), AM (Harvard), revealed the hitherto unknown Tapo Bhoomi (meditation site) in the Himalayas in the year 1956 and established The Kalgidhar Trust in 1965. This sacred place called BARU SAHIB has been visited by many sages, saints and rishis from time immorials. Prominent among them have been Vashisht Muni, Gautam Rishi, the Pandavas and the Sidhs etc. who had mediated on the Divine Name. .Guru Gobind Singh Ji also blessed this place during the visit to the State of Nahan.

Founder President: Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, M.Sc., Former Director Agriculture, H.P.

Vice President: Padma Bhushan Khem Singh, Ph.D. (Calfornia) Former Vice Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural, University, Ludhiana

Activities

The Kalgidhar Trust is a multi-faceted, socio-spirtual and educational organization rendering community service in the areas of value-based education, character building, positive lifestyle, holistic health, social reforms, stress management, Drug De--Addiction and rural development etc. to the underprivileged rural masses in far flung backward areas of Northern India

Educational

Akal Academy, Baru Sahib (Himachal Pradesh)

This unique concept as envisaged by the founding fathers of creating a syntheses of worldly scientific education and spiritual thoughts was started in the year 1986 in the form of a 10+2 English medium Co-Ed residential public school affiliated with CBSE, New Delhi. Presently this academy boasts of about 1500 resident students out of which 200 have come from across the globe - over 100 from the United States and rest from 16 different nations of the world.
Day-Boarding Academies

The Kalgidhar Trust is running thirty nine 10+2 English medium co-educational institutions affiliated with C.B.S.E, New Delhi in rural, backward areas of Northern India. One of the corner-stones of Akal Academies is that besides giving modern scientific education, these institutions take care of the moral character and human values of the students enabling them to become good global citizens.

Social Welfare

Akal Academy for Girls for comprehensive education, wherein 300 girls from rural background are provided education, spiritual & vocational training in music and other fields so that while treading the path of spirituality, they can earn their livelihood on completion of the course.
Akal Child Welfare Foundation for providing education to orphan and underprivileged children without any distinction of caste, creed, religion or sex, wherein 200 children are being looked after with tender care.
Akal home for widows and Destitute Women, wherein 50 widows and destitute are being imparted vocational training in various fields to make them self-dependent, through the mediation on the Divine Name.
Akal Home for the Elderly, wherein 65 senior citizens have found shelter and solace. While meditating on the Divine Name, they are contributing towards selfless service, according to their capabilities.
Akal De-addiction Centers at Baru Sahib and village Cheema have cured almost 1500 drug-addicts, who have shed bad habits and have joined the social mainstream, through the meditation on the Divine Name.
Akal Rural Development Program, which generates employment for the people of remote, backward far-flung hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh by providing production facilities in agriculture and facilitating the marketing of products like milk, vegetables and agricultural products. In addition, hundreds of people have been employed in various development and construction activities.
International status: Regular Akal International Youth camps are held every year separately for Indian as well as foreign students. Camps' mission is to provide an opportunity to learn and know their mother tongue, moral values, culture and their taraditions, which they were deprived of, while living in distant lands.

Health

Akal Charitable Hospital at Baru sahib is a 250-bed hospital, catering to the health needs of underprivleged rural masses of remote and backward areas of Himalayan region within a radius of 100 kms. In addition, regular Medical camps are held twice a year wherein specialists from Ludhiana , Jalandhar, Patiala , Chandigarh, Delhi , Mumbai and abroad perform free surgeries and provide treatment for various diseases.
The 'Fight against HIV AIDS' program is envisaged to prevent the spreding of HIV, support/counsel the affected, testing on a walk-in basis and case management. This program is focused towards helping the rural areas and Highways along Himachal Pradesh, Punjab , Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
Beneficiaries
OPD visited One lakh
Patients admitted 2,000
Free surgeries performed 450


Relief & Rehabilitation

The rehabilitation work done for Kashmir earthquake victims in villages Uri and Kupwara (Distt. Baramula) :

Construction material/labor provided for 1850 Homes
One historical Pandu Temple rebuilt.
4 Gurdwaras rebuilt
4 Mosques rebuilt
Historic Army Library, Training, School and Canteen rebuilt.
This earthquake relief work of The Kalgidhar Trust has been recognized by Government of India, Ministry of Home affairs vide their annual report of 2005-2006.Page No. 112, clause 7.65 under the heading NGO's effort in providing shelters.

Special Programs underway at Baru Sahib

Solar energy is used for cooking and heating water.
LPG gas is used instead of wood for cooking. This concept is also being promoted in the communities surrounding Baru Sahib. It will save the trees and preserve and improve the environment.
The sewerage output of the complex is processed to separate the solids, which are used as compost and the water is used for irrigation purposes.
Garbage from the complex is burnt in an incinerator (under controlled conditions) instead of dumping out or burying underground.
Approximately 1000 new trees are planted each year in the surrounding areas to replenish the old ones.
Free healthcare and ambulance services are provided to the surrounding communities.
Akal Academy at Baru Sahib is also affiliated with THE NATIONAL OPEN SCHOOL, DELHI. Children of the area who were left out of the regular school system are, therefore, given the opportunity to get formal education.
Under Akal Rozgar Yojna, girls and women are trained in embroidery, stitching, tailoring, sewing, arts and crafts, and other trades, so that they can develop their own cottage industries and be financially independent. They are also being helped in marketing their products both in domestic and foreign markets. Several hundred women are taking advantage of this program.
Baru Sahib complex, with its almost 3500 residents, buys most of its daily requirements of vegetables, fruit, milk, onions, pepper, garlic, etc. locally. The farmers in the area have adopted their "Crop Rotations" in favour of these, cash crops. These crops fetch them better prices than the regular "Staple Crops". This has resulted in improved economic condition of local farmers. If this concept catches on in other parts of the country (especially to produce cash crops for outside markets), it will bring welcome changes in the farm economy of the country.
With a large numbers of construction projects going on at Baru Sahib, it is helping the local workers to find steady jobs. Effort is also being made to encourage these workers to learn construction trades like carpentry, welding, metal works, plumbing, electrical work, etc. so that they can improve their earning capacity. Similarly, a lot of jobs are provided to the local women as well.

Professional Colleges in Himachal Pradesh

List of Engineering and Management colleges in Himachal Pradesh

S. No. College Name

1 Akal College of Engineering & Technology, Baru Sahib

2 Akal College of Business Studies, Baru Sahib

3 Arni School of Technology, Indora

4 Chitkara School of Engineering & Technology, Barotiwala

5 Chitkara School of Business Management, Barotiwala

6 Green Hills Engineering College, KumarHatti

7 Himalayan Institute of Engineering & Technology, Kala Amb

8 IITT College of Engineering, Kala Amb

9 Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi

10 Indus School of Engineering, Una

11 Institute of Engineering and Emerging Technologies, Baddi

12 Institute of Management Studies, Baddi Baddi

13 Jawaharlal Nehru Government Engineering College, Sundernagar

14 Jay Pee Institute of Information Technology, Hamirpur

15 Jay Pee School of Engineering, Waknaghat

16 Jay Pee School of Management, Waknaghat Solan

17 LR Institute of Engineering & Technology, Solan

18 MG Institute of Engineering & Technology, Badhoo

19 MIT College of Engineering, Bani

20 MIT College of Management, Bani Hamirpur

21 National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur

22 Manav Bharti School of Engineering, Kumarhatti

23 Shiva Institute of Engineering & Technology, Bilaspur

24 Shoolini Institute of Biotech. & Management, Solan

25 T.R. Abhilashi Memorial Institute of Engineering & Technology, Ner Chowk

26 University Institute of Information Technology, Shimla Shimla

27 Arni School of Polytechnic, Indora

28 Arni School of Business Management, Indora

29 Green Hills Polytechnic College, KumarHatti

30 LR Institute of Management Studies, Solan

31 Institute of Management Studies, Shimla

Eternal University celebrates its 2nd anniversary of inception

Eternal University Baru Sahib celebrated its Second Anniversary Annual Day on 29th April 2010. Professor A.S. Brar Vice Chancellor Guru Nanak Dev University was the Chief Guest. A Cultural Program was held followed by Prize Distribution for various achievements in academic, extra curricular activities and sports events. A large number of students from the Colleges of the University show cased their talent in the Stage Performances.
Cultural events, “Saraswati Vandana” in classical dance form, a Musical Medley, Himachali folk dance “Natti”, a “farcical play” in English and “Andha Andhvishwas, a skit in Hindi were highly appreciated.

Eternal University, a co-educational institution, is conceptualized on value based education and has about seven hundred students in its colleges.
In his address the Chief Guest exhorted all students to be disciplined and devote their time to studies if they wanted to do well in life. He appreciated the pollution and drug free mountainous atmosphere of the University in harmony with nature. He wished the fledgling University all the success and rapid growth in future.

Dr. M.S. Atwal, Vice chancellor of Eternal University welcomed the Chief Guest and presented the annual report. He highlighted the achievements of the University since its inception and brought out marching ahead of the University with speed through his self composed “Ode to Baru Sahib”.

Padam Bhushan Dr. Khem Singh Gill, ex Vice Chancellor, Punjab Agriculture University, in his address appreciated the development of the University, and performances of the students. He advised the students to imbibe the values of our culture to be good citizens

Dr. Neelam Kaur, Dean Health Sciences acquainted the audience with the history of Baru Sahib Institutions. The function ended with vote of thanks by Dr. Davinder Singh, Dean of Education and Director of All Akal Academies in India and abroad followed by High Tea.

An eye opener for all Indians and a true face of Britishers

LORD MACAULAY’S ADDRESS TO THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT, 2 FEBRUARY, 1835
I have travelled across the length and breadth of India and I have not seen one person who is a beggar, who is a thief. Such wealth I have seen in this country, such high moral values, people of such calibre, that I do not think we would ever conquer this country, unless we break the very backbone of this nation, which is her spiritual and cultural heritage, and, therefore, I propose that we replace her old and ancient education system, her culture, for if the Indians think that all that is foreign and English is good and greater than their own, they will lose their self-esteem, their native culture and they will become what we want them, a truly dominated nation.

A unique University in the Valley of divine peace.

In the most interior areas of Himachal Pradesh, is situated a unique University with a unique goal and model:”World peace through value-added education”.
Eternal University, situated at Baru Sahib, 26 Kms from nearest town Rajgarh, is unique in the following ways:
1. It is the first private self-funded non-profitable Sikh University in the whole world.

2. The first private full-fledged University of Himachal Pradesh set-up by an Act of the State Legislature.

3. This University is managed by The Kalgidhar Trust, one of the richest trusts in the whole world.

4. The only University in the country with a unique dress code (Kurta-Pyjama for boys & Pyjami-Suit for girls) which reflects our rich cultural heritage and upholds the philosophy of “Simple Living-High Thinking”.

5. The only University in the country with 90% attendance requirement for the students, so as to inculcate discipline, accountability & punctuality in the students and prepare them to face the highly competitive world.

6. It is situated in one of the most interior areas of H.P. i.e., distt. Sirmour and is 110 Kms from Shimla, which is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh.
7. It consists of Asia’s largest Gurudwara, “Darbar Sahib”, where more than 10, 000 people can perform Ardas (pray) at one time.

8. It consists of a 450 acre sprawling campus comprising of a University, a number of professional colleges, an international Akal Academy, a multi-specialty charitable Hospital, a Gurudwara, a post office, a bank, fuel station and many more world class facilities.

9. It guarantees a unique model of value based education, unique in its own way in the whole world.

10. Totally drug free, smoke free & liquor free eco – friendly environment.

11. Only place in the whole country where The Central Ministry of New Renewable Energy, Govt. of India is setting up a solar energy pilot project worth Rs. 6 millions.

12. The best place where a child can study well and can become a well groomed professional with excellence in technical, communication & spiritual skills.

So, come and experience the difference. Welcome to the valley of divine peace in the lap of Himalayas.

Vishal Sharma
Coordinator
Eternal Literary Society
Eternal University
Baru Sahib
vishal.acet@gmail.com

Eternal University: Present & Future Prospects

The First Private University Sponsored by the Sikh Community at Baru Sahib (Himachal Pradesh)




{Established under the 'Himachal Pradesh Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Act 2006' and Himachal Pradesh Government Notification No EDN-A-GHA (8)6/2006(Loose) dated 29 April, 2008) and UGC Act 1956, Section 2 (f) and 12 B.}



Eternal University is a world class Multi-faculty facility located in the rural and backward area of the State (Baru Sahib, District Sirmour), where there are no such higher education facilities. Academic collaborative arrangements are being worked out with a number of foreign Universities including Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University, University of Virginia, Wayne State University in the fields of Engineering, Teacher Training, Nursing & other Para-medical specialties, Public Health, and Business Administration towards international acceptance of the student turn out and ingraining into the academic processes the best practices and state-of-the-art innovations in the processes. In fact, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has already been signed for Akal College of Engineering & Technology with Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A. and such arrangements for other specialties are in the pipeline.



Twenty first century expertise and technology has been introduced at Eternal University through visiting faculty from abroad. Major courses in different faculties have been developed in collaboration with these resource persons. No effort have been spared towards building academic standards of Eternal University as good as (if not better than) institutions of high repute around the world. Exchange of students and mutual transfer of course credits mechanism would also be established between Eternal University and its partners abroad. This will encourage children of several million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) settled abroad to come back and get high quality education at highly competitive costs. This will generate (in a way) a reverse migration of the student benefiting not only the individual, but also the country.



Akal college of Engineering and Technology is producing the much needed engineers and technologists for the fast growing information technology, hydropower generation, roads and real estate development and the diverse industries in the State.



Akal College of Nursing and Health Sciences is training and providing the necessary Para-medical work-force including Nurses, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Clinical Laboratory Technologists, and healthcare professionals in general. The bachelor Degree courses in Nursing is the first one in the state, and so are programs in physical therapy and occupational therapy, a special program, where bachelors of science graduate in Chemistry Biology etc.



Akal college of Arts and Sciences with its extensive undergraduate & post-graduate academic programs will be instrumental in providing broad-based general education in Arts and Sciences to the rural population of the State.



Akal College of Naturopathy and Alternative Medicine will be a unique institution in the sense that it will combine ancient principles of healing from Ayurvedic, Chinese, Homeopathic, and Unani Medicine systems with the modern techniques and knowledge of Allopathy. It will produce a new breed of Health-Care Professional (Naturopathic Doctors), who will treat the cause of diseases rather than the symptoms, thus providing affordable and effective system of healthcare. A special program will be created where M.B.B.S./M.D (Allopathic Doctors) will be trained to practice Naturopathic Medicine. These new professional may adopt Naturopathic way of Medicine, thus helping people to get affordable and better healthcare services. Also, the college through its research activities will be instrumental in developing the desired Herbal Medicines Industry.



Akal College of Public Health (again the First One of its kind in the State or perhaps in the country) will educate and train a new cadre of Healthcare Professionals, who will create mechanism and infra-structure in the State to prevent diseases, predict and stop epidemics, and bring about the general awareness about good health & wellness among the people. As per World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, spending one dollor in prevention saves ten dollors in treatment, saving the State Crores of Rupees. Also population with good health will generate more productive work-force, thus, helping the State to establish sustainable industrial and economic base.



State with its fast-growing industrial base can utilize well-trained Business Managers, who are well-versed with the modern technique of management and can compete in the Global Markets. Towards this end, Akal College of Business Administration will play an essential role in producing first-rate Business Managers, who could be the envy of the world. Special academic programs will be developed focusing on real estate development, tourism and hospitality industries, where first growth is feasible to be realized keeping in view the enormous potential.



Eternal University has been established and is being operated as a non-profit institution of higher learning. Its sole purpose, therefore, is to impart high quality education and training to the people and preparing them for the job markets of present and future.



The Kalgidhar Trust (The parent body of Eternal University) has a long history of serving the rural population of India. With its 52 Akal Academies, Akal Charitable Hospital, Akal De-Addiction Centers, Akal Senior Citizen Home, Akal Destitute Women Home, Akal Orphanage for children (all located in rural areas), it is natural step forward to establish Eternal University at Baru Sahib in rural area and carry the mission of service to humanity to the next level..



The main campus of Eternal University will be designed by world famous Architects who have already designed more than fifty campuses around the world including big names in Academics. It will be a big tourist attraction.



The architecture of Eternal University will mix the old (Nalanda/Texila)) architecture with Goethic and the contemporary style. The campus once finished will be a thing of beauty in 'The Valley of Divine Peace - Baru Sahib.'

Eternal University will be a world-class international institute of higher learning, befitting truly in the image of State becoming 'The Education Hub of India'. The infusion of more than 500 crore rupees (estimated cost of the infra-structure for Eternal University ), into the local economy will certainly be welcome gesture and needed economic stimulant. Additionally, creation of several thousands good paying jobs will be a well-deserved bonus to the people in the area.

The Objectives of Eternal University

Provide instruction, teaching and training in higher education with a view to create higher level of intellectual abilities in any field of human endeavor.



> Establish facilities for education and training.

> Carry out teaching and research and to offer continuing education programs.

> Create centers of excellence for research and development relevant to the needs of the State and the country for sharing knowledge and its applications.

> Establish campuses in the State.

> Establish examination centers.

> Institute degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions on the basis of examinations or any other such method; ensuring that the standards of degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions are not lower than those laid down by regulating bodies.

> Set up off campus centers both for in class teaching as well as Distance Teaching, subject to applicable rules and regulations.

> Promote in the students and teachers an awareness and understanding of the social needs of the country and prepare them for fulfilling such needs.

>Take appropriate measures for promoting inter-disciplinary studies in the University;

> Provide the right kind of leadership in all walks of life.

> Foster the composite culture of India and establish such departments or institutions as may be required for the study and development of the languages, arts and culture of India .

> Make such provision for integrated courses in Humanities, Sciences and Technology in the educational programs of the University.

> Pursue Teaching and Research in emerging technologies and rural problems: introduce programs of teaching and extension work for rural development, including vocational programs to uplift socio-economic status of women in particular.

> Fulfill the mission of Sant Attar Singh Ji and Sant Teja Singh Ji towards achieving Permanent Peace in the World by amalgamating modern scientific knowledge with Braham Vidya and Spiritualism.

> Prepare young men and women as citizens imbued with the Zeal and Spirit of Selfless Service for community.

> Give effect to the spirit of National and International goodwill, friendship and partnership, as well as the desire of the people of other areas of the country and the World to share with each other (their best) for the over all sustainability of human life on planet earth.

> Supervise, to evaluate and to promote the work of Eternal University, its Colleges, and Campuses of the University's social and charitable activities, and other educational and auxiliary unit.



The University will uphold and strive to achieve the following:



> Reasonable stewardship of the environment and its resources.

> Sustainable development in the State of Himachal Pradesh and India

> Linkage Learning and Research to the needs and life of the people of Himachal Pradesh and India .

> Justice to the minorities, and other weaker sections of the society, especially to women and the rural poor.

> Holistic development of the human person in, with, and through the community for leadership instilled by high moral values.

> National Unity and Communal Harmony.

> International Fellowship and Universal Brotherhood of man based on Guru Nanak's Philosophy to achieve permanent Peace in the World.

In all of the above, the University will help young and old without coercion or compulsion to deepen their commitment to a life of selfless service to the community.

Students enrolled in the academic programs will be exposed to a diverse and wide range of technical and non-technical education and training, which will enable them to develop intellectual and training skills in their respective fields. The University will also simultaneously provide career counseling and guidance by keeping the students informed about the potential job opportunities and will help them in making prudent decisions regarding their future careers. It will maintain and promote close linkage and active contact with potential employers, both in National and Multi-national Corporations, while involving their executives and faculties, to interact with the students through lectures, seminars, symposia and class room participation. Eternal University will also strive to prepare its students to take up the leadership in education, science, engineering, medicine, health care, politics and community development.

Historical development of The Kalgidhar Trust

The great visionary of 20th century (Sant Attar Singh Ji) had a vision that modern scientific education alone will not serve the humanity well, until and unless it is amalgamated with Braham Vidya (Spiritual Education).The graduates of this unique education system will not only be outstanding in academics, but also will have high moral values (i.e. they will have love for humanity, compassion for the weak and the underdog, and sense of selfless service for the community). These graduates will work towards establishing permanent peace in the world. They will act as Ambassadors of Peace wherever they live their lives.

With this vision in mind, Sant Attar Singh Ji sent his devotee Principal Teja Singh Ji ((M.A., LL.B) abroad in 1906 to get the best possible modern education available than anywhere in the world. Principal Teja Singh went abroad and first studied at Cambridge University (U.K) and then at the world famous Teachers College, Columbia University (USA) and finally went to Harvard University and completed his M.A Degree.

On his return, Sant Attar Singh Ji gave Principal Teja Singh a "good grounding" in Braham Vidya and trained him to carry forward his mission of creating special breed of Akal Scholars with high moral values. Sant Attar Singh Ji also directed Principal Teja Singh to find a "Tapo Bhumi" in Himalayan mountains, where Rishis, Munis and holymen have done Tapasya (meditation) in the past and gave him (Principal Teja Singh) the visual description of the place - resembling "BARU SAHIB".

On finding this place (now called Baru Sahib) Sant Teja Singh Ji established The Kalgidhar Trust in 1956 to carry out the mission of Sant Attar Singh Ji's vision. Sant Teja Singh Ji also established a small place of worship at Baru Village and performed ardas to God Almighty (Waheguru) that an Institution of Higher Learning may be granted here (as vision and wishes of Sant Attar Singh Ji). Thus conceptual and spiritual foundation of Eternal University was laid at Baru Sahib that day.

Before leaving this mortal world, Sant Teja Singh Ji designated Shri Iqbal Singh (Baba) (Retired Director of Agriculture from Himachal Pradesh and present President of The Kalgidhar Trust) to carry forward the Mission. He started AKAL ACADEMY at Baru Sahib (The prelude to Eternal University) in 1986 with 5 students, which has now grown to a formidable strength of approximately 1500 students and 200 of them hail from 16 foreign countries - with 100 students from USA alone. It is a 10+2 Residential School.

Akal Academy at Baru Sahib also has 51 sister Akal Academies spread over five States (i.e Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh). All these academies are affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The total number of students in these Akal Academies is now around 30,000 and 40% of these students are girls. Approximately 20% of the total student body is studying totally free of cost. These students are either orphans or belonging to poor rural families. All these Academies are located in rural areas. These academies have established an outstanding academic standard. Additional 130 such academies are also planned for future, again all for the rural areas with estimated future enrolment of more than 1,50,000 students.

The Kalgidhar Trust runs 250 bed Akal Charity Hospital at Baru Sahib. It also runs an Orphanage, a Senior Citizens Home, a Widow Home and a Homeless Women's Home, all of which are located at Baru Sahib and run without any cost to the residents. The Kalgidhar Trust is also engaged in several other welfare projects for women and children in the rural areas.

Additionally, The Kalgidhar Trust has established:

Akal Sangeet Vidyala - College of Divine Music (affiliated with Allahabad University for Graduate and Post-Graduate Degrees in Music), where several dozen students are getting education/ training in classical music, especially through stringed instruments.

Akal Center of Naturopathy & Alternative Medicine, where dozens of patients are treated for various ailments using indigenous medicinal agents with excellent outcomes.

Akal Center of Languages, where student get graduate and post-graduate degrees in modern languages like Hindi, Punjabi etc.

Akal College of Nursing, is the first college of its kind in Himachal Pradesh, which offers B.Sc/ M.Sc. (Nursing), B.Sc/ M.Sc. (Occupational Theropy), and B.Sc/M.Sc (Physical Therapy) courses.

Plans are underway to establish Infra-structure for Akal College of Distance Education, which will offer additional high school and college level courses in various fields through Akal Distance Education Centers to be established in rural areas of the country.